Child Proofing For Common Household Poisons
Detergents, Toiletries and Cleaning Chemicals Can be Hazardous
Apr 4, 2009
Children account for the majority of calls made to the United States Poison Control Centers. The unintentional exposures are mainly due to medications, household chemicals, pesticides, personal care products, plants and other foreign objects. Children obtain the poisons quickly and some of the poisons act just as fast. Prevention or child proofing a home can help avert the potential serious health threats.
Symptoms of a Chemical Poisoning Vary
Most commonly reported household poisons are caustic in nature. They include chemicals such as oven cleaners, drain openers, cleaning products, rust removers, dishwasher detergents and disinfectants. A child may have severe throat pain, experience difficult breathing, sudden behavioral change, nausea and vomiting, headache and blurred vision, dizziness and in severe cases the child will exhibit convulsions or lose consciousness. Some of these chemicals give off fumes that are extremely caustic and can cause eye, throat and chest irritation. These exposures can cause headaches, nausea, and coughing and chest congestion.
IMPORTANT: In case of an overdose contact the nearest Poison Control Center (in the US call 1-800-222-1222) or 911 depending on the severity of the exposure. For other places, find out if there is an emergency number and keep it by the phone.
Personal Care Products are Common in Household Non-Pharmaceutical Poisoning
Personal care products smell nice, look nice and to a child this means that they probably taste good.
Hair Products: Permanents and relaxers may contain lye or other bases which are very caustic. If ingested it will cause burns on the lips, in the mouth, throat and stomach. Hair colors can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Shampoos and conditioners may not be as poisonous but will still cause vomiting, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when swallowed.
Nail Care Products: Nail Primers are acidic and when ingested can cause severe burns on the lips, in the mouth, throat and stomach. Other products like nail polishes, and nail polish removers have an unpleasant taste and children do not like the taste, however if ingested can still pose to cause potential harm.
Mouthwash: Mouthwash contains alcohol which is poisonous to children.
Toothpaste: Ingesting large amounts of toothpaste can cause stomach pain and block the intestine. Ingesting fluoride containing toothpaste can cause convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in the heart beat that may eventually lead to a heart attack.
Other toiletries considered poisonous include baby powder, deodorants, perfumes and liquid make up.
Hydrocarbons are Harmful or Fatal If Swallowed
Most petroleum based chemicals such as gasoline, insecticides, lighter fluid, paint thinners and pine oils labels carry this dire warning and parents should understand that this group of chemicals is dangerous. The number one cause of concern is aspiration. The chemical coats the lungs causing irritation; a child may cough, wheeze and experience shortness of breath. The child may eventually develop a fatal form of pneumonia called chemical pneumonia.
Keep Children Safe by Taking a Few Simple Precautions
- Keep potential poison containers out of a child’s reach. Children are always curious about new and unfamiliar containers and will always investigate.
- Never leave household chemicals unattended.
- Always store or use chemicals from their original container. A container familiar to a child such as an empty milk jug or glass used to store a poisonous product can raise a child’s curiosity.
- Read manufacturer labels and follow instructions especially do not mix household chemical products. The resulting fumes can be toxic.
It is best to be proactive and take action to create a safer home environment. Walk through the house and take inventory of the location of household chemicals making a point to discard all unused portions regularly. Read labels to determine what chemicals are found in commonly used toiletries. For more information on the toxicity of household chemicals visit the Agency of Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR).
 |
